Lecythidaceae
Couroupita
Couroupita
Monotípic or few-species genus in the family Lecythidaceae, native to the tropical forests of northern South America and the Caribbean. It includes the famous Couroupita guianensis, known as the "cannonball tree" for its enormous spherical woody fruits hanging directly from the trunk. The genus is celebrated for extreme cauliflory: clusters of fragrant, showy flowers emerge directly from the main stem. Cultivated in tropical botanical gardens worldwide as a monumental tree of great ornamental and symbolic value.
Lecythis
Lecythis
Genus of tropical trees in the family Lecythidaceae native to Amazonia and northern South America. The lecythis or "sapucaias" are famous for their large urn- or vase-shaped woody fruits with a lid (the operculum), which when falling releases oily, nutritious seeds — known as "paradise nuts" or "crown nuts" — of exquisite flavour and exceptional nutritional value. The genus is one of many in the family Lecythidaceae, which also includes the Brazilian cannonball tree (Couroupita guianensis). Their flowers are large and showy.